How long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

Being injured on the job can be a stressful experience for any worker in New Jersey. You may have mounting medical bills and you may be concerned about how to make ends meet financially if you cannot return to work right away due to your injuries. For these reasons, workers in New Jersey can apply for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their expenses if they are injured in the course of their job duties. However, there is a time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

What is the statute of limitations for workers’ comp claims?

If you are injured on the job, you must file a claim within two years of the date you were injured or the date you were last paid, whichever is later. This time limit is known as a “statute of limitations.” Once the two years is up, you will no longer be eligible to apply for workers’ comp. It is important to note that filing an application for an informal hearing does not stop the clock on the running of the two year statute of limitations.

What about occupational illnesses?

Sometimes a person develops an occupational illness after many years on the job, rather than an injury that can be attributed to a specific incident. Some examples of occupational illnesses include asbestosis, lead poisoning and hearing loss. In this situation, a claim must be filed within two years of the date that you learned you had the occupational illness, and that the illness was related to your job.

Learn more about filing a workers’ comp claim

As you can see, you do not want to wait too long to file a workers’ comp claim, if eligible. This post does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Those in New Jersey who want to learn more about workers’ compensation may find our website useful.